7 Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Enjoy a relaxing 2.5- to 3-hour drive from your hotel in Arusha to Machame Gate. Along the way, you will pass lush countryside and traditional villages that bring daily life in Tanzania to life. In a comfortable private car, you will travel smoothly to the southwestern gateway of Kilimanjaro – the official starting point of your unforgettable trek.

Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Your trek begins at Machame Gate (1,800 m) with a gradual 5-7 hour hike through lush montane rainforest, rich in animal life and dense vegetation. The trail leads to Machame Camp (2,835 m), where you will spend your first night on the mountain – an ideal start to the acclimatisation process.

From Machame Camp (2,835 m), the trail climbs steeply up through moorland and mountainous swampland before emerging onto the vast Shira Plateau. The 5- to 6-hour hike ends at Shira Camp (3,750 m), where you will be rewarded with sweeping vistas and further begin to adjust to the higher altitude.

This day is dedicated to a spectacular acclimatisation hike: from Shira Camp (3,750 m) you will climb to Lava Tower (4,630 m), followed by a descent to Barranco Camp (3,960 m). The 6- to 8-hour trek takes you through varied terrain and helps your body get used to higher altitude. Along the way, you will enjoy impressive views of the Western Breach and the surrounding mountain landscapes.

From Barranco Camp (3,960 m), the day begins with a climb over the iconic Barranco Wall. This is followed by a series of ridges and valleys before reaching Karanga Camp (4,035 m). This 4-5-hour hike offers dramatic views and plays a crucial role in acclimatisation prior to the final climb.

The trek from Karanga Camp (4,035 m) to Barafu Camp (4,673 m) is a gradual 3-4-hour climb through a barren, alpine desert landscape. Although short, this day is crucial in preparation for the summit ascent. There is plenty of time to rest, hydrate well and acclimatise further before the nightly assault on Uhuru Peak.

The summit day begins just after midnight with a challenging 6- to 8-hour climb from Barafu Camp (4,673 m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Africa’s highest point. After a short but festive break at the summit, you will descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest, before descending further to Mweka Camp (3,100 m). It is a long and intensive day of 12 to 14 hours of hiking, but the reward is unforgettable.

The final descent from Mweka Camp (3,100 m) to Mweka Gate (1,640 m) takes about 3-4 hours and takes you through lush montane rainforest. At the gate, you will sign out from the park and receive your summit certificate – the official end of your unforgettable Kilimanjaro adventure.

Transfer back to your hotel in Arusha
After checking out at Mweka Gate, enjoy a comfortable 2.5- to 3-hour drive back to your hotel in Arusha. Along the way, you will pass picturesque landscapes – a relaxing conclusion to your unforgettable Kilimanjaro journey.